NEW YORK – Karla Sofia Gascón, the Oscar-nominated transgender actor and star of the film Emilia Pérez, is facing public backlash due to old social media posts that have recently resurfaced. These posts, some dating back to 2016, contain derogatory remarks about Islam and also depict George Floyd as “a drug addict and a hustler.”
In response to the controversy, Gascón expressed her regret through a statement released via Netflix, where her film is available for streaming. She stated, “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.” Gascón emphasized her lifelong commitment to fighting for a better world, asserting her belief that “light will always triumph over darkness.”
Gascón’s nomination marks a significant milestone in the film industry, as she became the first transgender performer to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance has also contributed to Emilia Pérez being recognized as the most-nominated film ahead of the upcoming Oscars. Netflix is now concerned that the resurfacing of Gascón's past statements could impact the film's chances during the prestigious awards.
The controversial posts included comments targeting the Islamic community's dress, language, and cultural practices in Spain, Gascón's homeland. In one post, she even suggested that Islam should be banned. The timing of some of her comments regarding George Floyd was particularly sensitive, as they came less than a month after Floyd was brutally killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, an event that sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
Before her transition in 2018, Gascón was a familiar face in Mexican telenovelas. In Emilia Pérez, she takes on the dual roles of a menacing cartel kingpin and Emilia Pérez, a woman who emerges after the kingpin fakes his own death. The film explores themes of identity and redemption as Emilia seeks help from her former lawyer, played by Zoe Saldaña, to reconnect with her wife, portrayed by Selena Gomez, and their children.
Many celebrities have faced similar controversies in the past, as old tweets and social media posts have led to public outrage and scrutiny. Notable figures like James Gunn, Trevor Noah, and Blake Shelton have all experienced setbacks due to past statements but eventually managed to rebuild their careers. Gunn was rehired to direct the third installment of Guardians of the Galaxy for Marvel, while Noah will host the Grammy Awards this weekend, and Shelton has enjoyed a long tenure as a coach on NBC’s The Voice.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges public figures face regarding their past actions and comments, especially in an era of increased social awareness and accountability. As Karla Sofia Gascón navigates the fallout from her past posts, the entertainment industry and audiences alike will be watching closely to see how this impacts her career and the reception of Emilia Pérez.
